Boating Accident Attorney

Award – Winning Boating Accident Lawyers

Recreational boating and water sports can be fun but serious injuries can result. The majority of marine accidents involve people who are using personal watercrafts or who are participating in recreational water sports. Victims who are injured in these accidents or surviving family members of people who die due to accidents on the water need to have a good understanding of their rights in such cases.

Sadly, the vast majority of boating accidents are entirely preventable and many involve the use of alcohol. For these reasons, there is often some level of negligence involved, and this where we can assist in holding the at fault party responsible for the incident and injuries. We have been doing this since 1971. Let us put our experience and expertise to work for you and your family.

Why Choose Our Firm?

Making a maritime injury claim requires an understanding of the causes of boating and water sports accidents, as well as the laws applicable to noncommercial boating accident claims.

Lipcon, Margulies, Alsina & Winkleman, P.A. attorneys have been named to Best Law Firms by US News & World Report, and have been featured on national television hundreds of times discussing maritime law and marine accidents. Our firm is prepared to handle recreational boating and water sport claims and we can provide you with the legal representation you need if you or someone you love is hurt or killed.

Our Television Appearances

Our boating accident lawyers are frequently asked by all of the major new outlets globally to comment on maritime and boating related topics, including CNN, ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox News, The Washington Post, BBC, Time Magazine, Good Morning America, and many more. When a major maritime accident or injury occurs, major media outlets seek the expertise of attorneys at Lipcon, Margulies, Alsina & Winkleman, P.A. From cruise ship accidents and sexual assaults to boating accidents and oil spills, our firm helps analyze the legal implications of maritime events.

Claims Our Boating Accident Lawyers Can Help With

At Lipcon, Margulies, Alsina & Winkleman, P.A., our boating accident lawyers have extensive experience representing passengers and crew members around the country who sustain injuries at sea. The most common types of claims we can assist witht include:

Boating Accidents

Yacht Accidents

Jet Ski, Waverunner and Personal Watercraft Accidents

Parasailing Accidents

Cruise Ship Passenger Accidents

Cruise Ship Rape & Sexual Assault

Cruise Ship Overboard & Drowning Accidents

Seafarer and Crewmember Injuries

Ship Asbestos Claims

And many more.

With a wide array of experience in maritime and admiralty cases, our boating accident lawyers know what it takes to get you the highest possible compensation for your injuries.

Our Results

Since 1971, our firm has settled and tried to verdict thousands of cases involving maritime injuries. With more than $300 million recovered for our clients, our firm has a proven track record of performance protecting victims of maritime accidents. We have over 165 years of combined experience helping victims in a wide array of maritime cases, including boating accidents.

$25.8 million for seaman burn injuries. A 27-year-old seaman suffered 2nd and 3rd degree burns over 80% of his body on a freighter after the engine exploded.

$3.5 million for an eye injury on a cruise ship. A 38-year-old woman suffered an eye injury after being struck by an elastic exercise band at a cruise ship gym.

$276,000 for a cruise ship slip and fall injury. A 30-year-old man sustained a lower back injury after slipping and falling down a flight of stairs on a Sky Cruise.

$120,000 for a back injury on a yacht. A 22-year-old man suffered a herniated disk while working on a yacht.

In addition, our boating accident lawyers have extensive experience with cruise ship rape and sexual assault cases. We have helped clients get justice and compensation from some of the largest cruise lines in the world.

In every case, we serve our clients with compassion and legal excellence. If you sustain injuries on a ship, whether you’re a passenger or crew member, we are here for you.

Common Reasons for Boating Accidents

A day on the water can quickly turn into a tragedy when you are participating in any water sports or engaging in any recreational boating activities. Lipcon, Margulies, Alsina & Winkleman, P.A. provides representation to injured clients or their families after:

Our boating accident FAQs provide you with some basic information about your rights after you experience recreational boating injuries and we also provide details on types of boating accident injuries that commonly occur. However, every case is different and you need an evaluation of your case by an attorney to understand the laws applicable to your specific marine accident claim.

The outcome of your case may depend upon whether your accident is considered to have occurred on navigable waters, which will determine whether maritime rules or state rules apply to your accident. Whether you signed a release form before going parasailing, jet skiing or participating in other water sports is also going to impact the legal arguments you need to make to obtain compensation. A waiver of liability does not mean you cannot pursue a claim for compensation — you still have legal rights.

Lipcon, Margulies, Alsina & Winkleman, P.A. is focused on providing assistance in even the most complex recreational boating and water sport accident cases. Whether maritime or state rules apply, and regardless of any liability waivers, we can help you make a compelling legal argument that you are entitled to compensation for losses.

5 Tips for Buying and Operating a Safe Boat

If you’re concerned about your well-being and that of your passengers, you’re probably wondering what the safest type of boat you can buy is. But with so many models on the market, how can you determine the best option to help lower your chances of a boating accident injury. Here’s five tips you may want to consider:

Different vessels are designed for different purposes, so it’s important to purchase a boat designed for your desired activity. Some boats are designed for fishing, others are designed for waterskiing, and others for racing. Buying the right type of vessel for your desired activity can ensure it is used for its intended activity and, therefore, lead to safer boating overall.

Consider location. Choose a vessel designed for the waterway in which you plan to use it. An airboat will hardly be a good boat to take out into the open ocean, and many fishing boats aren’t designed to support long voyages at sea. Think about the local waterway you’ll want to navigate, and find a boat that fits your needs. Many local areas have restrictions on the kinds of boats that can be used in certain waterways. Read up on local laws. You don’t want to make the investment in a boat only to learn that you can’t use it at your local lake.

Think about size. One of the most common factors that can lead to a boating accident injury is vessel overcrowding. It’s important for everyone’s safety to ensure your boat is large enough to hold everyone in your party and never overfill it. Boat size is also important when considering where you’ll be sailing. Smaller waterways require narrower vessels and an oversized boat may not be able to sail in certain areas.

Understand the boat’s engine. According to Boating Magazine, there are several mistakes a boater can make when it comes to their engine. Without proper care and routine checks, engines can overheat and even catch fire. Before purchasing a vessel, make sure you have a full understanding of the engine’s capacities and maintenance needs to avoid a boating accident injury related to engine mishaps.

Perform a safety check. Have the boat inspected before you buy. If you’re going for a used boat, you’ll want to make sure your boat is sound. A trained inspector can check everything from the hull to the systems.

There’s no “one-size fits all” answer when it comes to buying a boat. The ideal vessel will be dependent on the kind of waterways you’ll navigate, how many people will join you on the boat, and what kind of activities you’ll be using the boat for. It can’t hurt to speak to family and friends who are boat owners and test out different models before you make a decision. Finally, remember that the best investment you can make in your safety doesn’t involve the boat purchase at all. Invest in a boating safety course and in life jackets.

There have been hundreds of incidents involving capsizing boats, explosions, collisions, and other accidents that have caused passengers to fall overboard. Many of these victims were unconscious. If a victim is wearing a lifejacket, whether they are conscious or not, the lifejacket will do its job and keep them afloat until help arrives. In many instances, a lifejacket is the only line of defense against a maritime disaster.

Boating Accident FAQs

The following information is provided to give accident victims and their loved ones an idea of how the law works with regard to vessel accidents, as well as their rights and responsibilities under the law.

What Types of Occurrences Can Be Considered “Boating Accidents?”

Typically, a boating or vessel accident involves an accident or injury that takes place on a ship, boat or other type of water vessel. For instance, an accident that takes place on a ship could involve injuries that were sustained by a passenger due to the negligence of a ship worker. Another type of accident might involve someone who was recklessly operating a boat or other water vehicle.

To be clear, the U.S. Coast Guard notes that a boating accident has occurred when either an individual on a vessel dies or becomes hurt beyond that which first aid can repair; an individual who is on a vessel disappears and it is presumed that the individual has either died or has been injured; or a vessel incurs damage or causes damage to other property.

What are the Most Common Types of Boating Accident Injuries?

Boating accident injuries, like most other accident injuries, can range in their type, severity and longevity. Depending on the nature of the accident, an individual might sustain lacerations, contusions and abrasions that may be minor in nature and easily treatable. However, some accident victims might experience injuries of a more serious nature, such as burns, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, electrocution and even drowning.

Need to Do After an Accident on the Water?

An accident report will need to be submitted whenever there’s an accident in which an individual dies; a person is hurt such that he or she requires medical treatment beyond simple first aid; a vessel is completely lost; someone disappears and the circumstances indicate that he or she may be either injured or dead; or there is damage to the vessel and/or property that is more than $2000.

Is There a Statute of Limitations on Boating Accidents?

Yes. Generally speaking the statute of limitations for a boating accident is 3 years from the date of the injury. However, the statute of limitations may depend on where the accident took place and whether or not it will be subject to state laws or federal maritime laws. That is why it is important to contact an attorney as soon as possible after an accident has occurred in order to ensure that any applicable time limitations do not expire.

If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident on the water, let an experienced legal professional at Lipcon, Margulies, Alsina & Winkleman, P.A. help you with your case.

Compensation for Injuries from Recreational Boating and Water Sport Accidents

Victims of boating or water sports accidents should be fully compensated for losses. Boat operators, boat manufacturers, tour operators, boat mechanics or water sports instructors are among the many individuals and companies who could potentially be held responsible if you get hurt while doing marine activities.

When you are engaged in any maritime activity or aboard any pleasure watercraft, the injuries you sustain in an accident may be serious. From the risk of spinal cord damage from falling off of a jet ski to the potential for brain damage or death due to drowning, your life could be lost or permanently changed in a second when something goes wrong. You deserve full compensation for medical costs, wage loss, pain and suffering, emotional distress or other damages. We will help fight for your right to full and fair compensation. Our firm has recovered more than $300 million dollars for clients, including injured boaters*.

A Legal Team You Can Trust

Lipcon, Margulies, Alsina & Winkleman, P.A. handles all types of commercial and noncommercial accidents on waterways throughout the world. Whether you were hurt on a boat, canoe, kayak, yacht or while participating in water skiing, jet skiing, parasailing or any activities on the water, we can represent you in an injury claim. Call 877-233-1238 today to schedule a no-obligation consultation and learn more.

* Disclaimer required by the Florida Bar: The numbers above are the gross recoveries, before deduction for attorneys fees and expenses. Most cases result in a lower recovery. It should not be assumed that your case will have as beneficial a result.